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ORIGIN

This 1975 Jeep Cherokee is a two-door model with a 258ci straight-six, a 3-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel drive. The Cherokee was introduced in 1974 as the utilitarian offering in the full-size Jeep line as the Wagoneer entered the luxury market. This example has spent two years with the seller, who is reportedly its third private owner. A tune-up was completed 1,000 miles ago and this FSJ is sold with an original build sheet, literature, and a clean New York title.

Sheet metal wears an exterior repaint of unknown age and the beige finish is shown up close in a number of photos. The Jeep has been stored indoors during the seller’s ownership. At least one lower door was likely repaired before the paintwork according to the seller. Rockers, doors, and jambs are shown up close below along with the inner tailgate. A small amount of corrosion is described around the side windows.

Minimal brightwork includes a polished aluminum “razor” grille along with chrome hub caps on painted steel wheels. Standard painted bumpers have been exchanged for chrome versions front and rear, and stock sealed-beam headlights were upgraded to Hella halogen units by the seller. Cooper Discoverer tires wear 2011 date codes and show plenty of remaining tread.

The utilitarian two-tone interior is thought by the seller to remain original and is described as in good overall condition. The truck was ordered without a radio, air conditioning, or power windows. Vinyl mats are lifted to show the floors beneath and the hard headliner is photographed above. All three door locks and the roll-down tail gate function with the same key.

Stock instrumentation includes a 5-digit odometer showing just under 21k miles. The seller has added approximately 1,000 miles over the past two years and believes the indicated mileage to be correct, though records for verification are unavailable. Dash backlighting is from LED bulbs installed by the seller.

The 258ci straight-six sends power to the rear or all four wheels through a floor-shifted 3-speed manual transmission and two-speed Dana transfer case. A service immediately after the seller’s 2015 purchase included a fuel filter and a tune-up with new spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor. A fluid change and wheel balance were also carried out.

A cold start and fast idle demonstration are included in the video above. The engine is due for a carburetor cleaning according to the seller, who notes that it runs quietly with a somewhat rough idle.

A second video includes a brief walk-around and shows the function of the fast-idle kickdown. The seller has also provided warm start and revving videos. Power steering reportedly works well and the Jeep is said to drive nicely including at highway speeds. Braking is via drums at all four wheels.

Underbody photos show the general condition of the frame rails, suspension and steering hardware. The four-wheel drive system features auto-locking front hubs and is said to operate as it should. The sale includes an original build sheet, period brochure, and shop manual.